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Addressing Disengagement and Lack of Participation with Intervention, Prevention, and Differentiation Strategies
No full textThe purpose of this study was to investigate methods, strategies, interventions to increase engagement, participation, and motivation, specifically, to prevent students from being left behind in grade-level progression. The research indicated that interventions increased engagement, performance levels, improved behavior, and closed or shortened gaps in grade-level deficiencies. Selected students were studied that were identified as those whom lack participation, engagement, and had low performance in academics. By implementing a range of intervention strategies, students’ deficiencies were addressed and able to see growth over the course of this study. While interventions were not closed to those that were not selected for the study, interventions proved to benefit others as well outside of the study
Integrating Culturally Sensitive Death Competence into Client Care
No full textThis capstone research project explores the role of counsellors in addressing the marginalization of death and dying within dominant Western Eurocentric capitalist culture. The project critically examines how cultural norms, historical developments, and institutional practices have led to the medicalization and industrialization of health and death—shaping a collective discomfort, denial, and fear around end-of-life (EOL) conversations. The literature reveals that while the public is not inherently resistant to discussing death, systemic and cultural barriers often prevent meaningful engagement. Counsellors are well-positioned to help normalize conversations about death, not only at EOL but as an early intervention that promotes emotional well-being, grief preparedness, and death literacy. The project investigates the psychological, cultural, and systemic factors contributing to current practices, and proposes a broader, more inclusive role for counsellors in facilitating death-related discussions across diverse communities. Central to this expanded role is the cultivation of death competence—developing the emotional, cognitive, and relational capacities necessary to engage meaningfully with death and dying in therapeutic contexts. Ultimately, this research advocates for a reimagining of death care that is grounded in compassion and cultural humility, contributing to a more holistic and human-centered approach to life, death, and dying
Relational Healing: Exploring the Therapeutic Relationship in Trauma Counselling
No full textTrauma is a pervasive and complex human experience that fundamentally disrupts individuals' relational capacities. While trauma-focused therapeutic modalities offer structured interventions, they often neglect the nuanced, relational dynamics essential for healing. This capstone project critically examines the therapeutic relationship in trauma counselling, arguing that relational attunement, emotional safety, and therapist-client connection are central, not supplementary, to effective trauma treatment. Through a comprehensive literature review and the proposal of an observational qualitative study involving real-time session analysis and interviews with psychologists and clients, this research identifies the limitations of current clinical practices and training in relational competence. Emphasizing the role of attachment, non-verbal communication, and trauma-informed approaches, the study advocates for a reconceptualization of trauma care: one in which the therapeutic relationship itself is viewed as a primary vehicle for healing. This project contributes to the field by underscoring the urgent need for trauma-specific relational training and a more humanized, connection-centred model of counselling
Help Needed: A Review of Modern Therapeutic Interventions for Party and Play / Chemsex Dependency Among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men
No full textThis capstone reviews modern therapeutic interventions for "Party and Play" (PNP) / "chemsex" dependency among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM). PNP involves the use of substances, primarily methamphetamine, to enhance sexual experiences, posing significant health risks, including increased HIV transmission, mental health challenges, and social isolation. This study evaluates a range of approaches: psychological, community based, holistic, medical, and technology-based, through the lens of Minority Stress Theory, which presents how stigma worsens substance use, and Harm Reduction principles, which prioritize reducing negative impacts. Traditional substance use treatments often lack cultural competence, resulting in poor outcomes and high dropout rates among gbMSM. Effective interventions, such as Gay-specific Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and community programs offering peer support and harm reduction, address minority stress and cultural needs, improving
engagement and efficacy. Emerging methods, including medication-assisted treatments and digital health tools, show promise but require further research. This capstone underscores the necessity for culturally sensitive, accessible, layered care to enhance health outcomes. It advocates for healthcare provider training in cultural competence and future research into integrated, long-term solutions to better support gbMSM struggling with PNP dependency
Ezra Seeing Ezra: Psychiatry in Theatre
No full textLockhart, E. N. (2026) Ezra seeing Ezra: psychiatry in theatre, The British Journal of Psychiatry, 228(2), 125–125. doi:10.1192/bjp.2025.97This reflective piece explores the intersection of personal and professional identity within psychiatric practice through the lens of late-diagnosed autism. Dr. Ezra Lockhart examines the revelatory experience of watching Ezra (2024), a film that catalyzed their recognition of neurodivergent traits long dismissed as mere intellectual affinity. The article traces Lockhart’s professional history of diagnosing and supporting autistic individuals, juxtaposed with the realization that their own patterns of cognition and interaction had eluded self-identification. Drawing parallels between cinematic narratives and real-world psychiatric frameworks, the work underscores the role of introspection in refining clinical understanding. By examining systemic biases, diagnostic limitations, and the emotional complexities of late-diagnosed autism, this piece contributes to discussions on clinician self-awareness, neurodivergence in professional spaces, and the changing perception of autism within mental health discourse
Exploring the Emerging Themes of Moral Injury in War Veteran Populations and the Healing Potential of Art Therapy
No full textIn this capstone project I explore the emerging themes of Moral Injury (MI) in war veteran populations and the potential of art therapy to address these themes. I examine the perspectives on MI from clinical psychology, clerical traditions and traumatology and investigate why a clear definition of MI continues to elude researchers. Although MI is a veritable condition with deleterious effects on all aspects of bio-psycho-social-spiritual function in veteran populations, most clinicians are unfamiliar with it and MI is often classified as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Treatments for PTSD are ineffective for MI and often can worsen the suffering of the veteran. MI results from the disruption of moral schemas following atrocities of wartime experience with spiritual and existential themes being integral to the healing process – areas often overlooked in clinical practice. Art therapy integrates neuroscience and existentialism through non-verbal approaches and offers veterans an indirect yet powerful way to process MI related to wartime trauma. Research shows that art therapy has been clinically proven to increase function across all bio-psycho-social-spiritual domains in veteran populations. I conclude with recommendations ranging from policy changes, education initiatives and research to support art therapy for veterans. In this capstone I emphasize the urgent need to address MI in war veterans and highlight art therapy's potential to fill these gaps
Becoming "Psyched." Exploring the Viability of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy for Adolescents Experiencing Mental Health and Substance Use Challenges: Risks, Benefits, and Informed Consent
Get PDFThe use of psychedelic-assisted therapy for the treatment of psychiatric illness, substance use and end-of-life crises for adult populations is well-documented in the scientific literature. Numerous randomized controlled clinical trials have been conducted over the last few decades indicating that for the most part, the use of psychedelic medicines is safe and effective with little to no evidence of risk for physical or psychological addiction. The crucial elements during the session of set and setting, and proper integration following the psychedelic session, underpin this efficacy. This raises the question as to whether adolescent populations might also benefit from these novel therapies as current approaches using psychiatric medications and psychotherapy seem to be failing these young people. This paper aims to explore the viability of psychedelic-assisted therapy for adolescents including its inherent risks and benefits, and the issue of informed consent. Lastly, this paper will conclude with two recommendations for fostering the dissemination of information that is vital for healthcare professionals, caregivers and adolescents seeking information that will lead to informed choice
Ryan's Pedagogical Dictionary
No full textAs the most comprehensive dictionary of educational terms in the English language, Ryan’s Pedagogical Dictionary features over 1,300 meticulously curated entries. Each term is explored in depth, examining its origins, historical development, and multiple meanings. Definitions are designed to be clear and concise, offering straightforward explanations while maintaining a level of scholarly detail. Real-world example sentences further reinforce comprehension, demonstrating how terms are used in educational discourse. The inclusion of related words—such as synonyms, antonyms, and derivatives—enhances users’ understanding of terminology, while usage notes provide guidance on proper application and nuanced contextual differences. Tailored for American teachers and teacher candidates—including aspiring educators, K-12 teachers, and academic researchers—this dictionary focuses on words used in American English but remains accessible to international readers. Its adaptability makes it a valuable tool for educators worldwide, allowing them to engage with pedagogical terminology in a way that is both accurate and relevant to their academic and professional needs
Attachment Theory and Online Dating: A Literature Review Supporting Adults Seeking Romantic Relationships
No full textThe innate human desire for connection continues to drive the use of online dating platforms, despite their associated disadvantages. This capstone explores how attachment theory can serve as a framework for understanding online dating behaviors and relationship outcomes. Research indicates that an individual's attachment orientation—secure, anxious, or avoidant—shapes their approach to romantic relationships and influences trust development, a critical component in transitioning online connections into meaningful relationships. The disadvantages of online dating include emotional and psychological risks. Although empirical data on online dating success is limited, existing literature supports attachment theory as a robust model for explaining relational dynamics. Notably, therapy has been shown to foster secure attachment and improve relationship outcomes, offering a potential solution for individuals struggling with online dating challenges. The research suggests that integrating attachment theory into therapeutic practice may help mitigate the negative effects of online dating. Further research is warranted to deepen understanding and how attachment theory can inform the therapeutic process to support online daters form healthy romantic relationships
Defending Dignity and the Role of Social Responses: A Response-Based Approach to Suicide Bereavement
No full textThis capstone outlines how using response-based practice can inform therapeutic work with people affected by suicide bereavement. Despite increased awareness of mental health, therapeutic models for suicide loss tend to overlook the relational and social contexts surrounding grief. In contrast, response-based therapy emphasizes dignity, safety, and the social responses people receive by framing choices and behaviors as forms of resistance to harm rather than evidence of dysfunction. This approach opens possibilities for a non-pathologizing, context-aware framework that is allied with survivors' pre-existing capacity and lived realities